Texas Roadhouse Sued for Firing Black Server

ABILENE, TX — The Texas Roadhouse was sued for firing a black server in Abilene, according to federal court documents.

Michael W. Brown claimed that, after working for the Texas Roadhouse store No. 40, 1381 S. Danville Rd., in Abilene for 23 years, he was fired on October 15, 2022 for “specious and pre textual reasons.” He claimed his supervisor named “Deven” accused him of mishandling a tray. Deven also accused Brown of sexually harassing him. Both accusations Brown vehemently denied.

Brown’s lawsuit argued the conduct by Deven makes Texas Roadhouse liable under the doctrine of respondeat superior. The lawsuit stated that Brown has received his “right to sue” letter after exhausted all other remedies. Therefore, the lawsuit was his final option to obtain justice.

Brown, 49, claimed that the real reason for his firing was racial discrimination because of Brown’s skin color. He is an African American and the supervisor who fired him for disputed reasons was white. Brown claimed the Texas Roadhouse’s conduct is a violation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Brown is demanding damages of $200,000 plus $3,500 in backpay. The $200,000 is for emotional distress because Texas Roadhouse’s conduct caused him to suffer “worsened diabetes, depression, anxiety, and loss of sleep.” In addition to damages, Brown demanded attorney’s fees that can be as high as $160,000 if the case heads to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The lawsuit was filed in the Northern District Court in Abilene by Brown’s Dallas attorney, Dan S. Boyd of Boyd and Stapleton.